Does Microwave Exposure at Different Doses in the Pre/Postnatal Period Affect Growing Rat Bone Development?

Abstract

Overview

This study investigates the effects of pre/postnatal exposure to 2.45 GHz continuous wave (CW) Wi-Fi microwave (MW) irradiation on bone development in growing rats. The authors used both biochemical and histological methods to evaluate bone formation and resorption in serum and tibia bone tissues of rats exposed to microwave irradiation during the pre/postnatal period.

Study Design

• Six groups were studied: one control group and five experimental groups exposed to different low-level electromagnetic fields (EMF) (2.45 GHz, 1 hour/day) during pregnancy and up to 45 days postnatally.
• After the exposure period, the tibia tissues of growing male rats were analyzed. Maternal rats were not included in the analysis.

Findings

• There were no observed differences in the Receptor Activator Nuclear factor-kB (RANK) biochemical marker between control and experimental groups.
• A statistically significant increase in soluble Receptor Activator of Nuclear factor-kB Ligand (sRANKL) and Osteoprotegerin (OPG) was found in the groups exposed to 10 V/m and 15 V/m electromagnetic fields.
• Histological changes supported the biochemical findings, confirming that these EMF doses can affect bone development.

Conclusion

The study provides evidence that pre/postnatal exposure to 2.45 GHz EMF at 10 and 15 V/m (corresponding to peak SAR 10g values of 14.4 mW/kg and 33.8 mW/kg, respectively) can potentially alter bone development in rats. This is the first article to assess both thermal and non-thermal effects of low-level microwave radiation on bone, and the authors emphasize the importance of considering these EMF exposures as a potential health risk factor for bone tissue development.